It’s never too late to chase your dreams!
Donzella Washington just fulfilled her lifelong goal of earning her bachelor’s degree, graduating from Alabama A&M University at 80-years-old, Rocket City Now reports.
Washington is inspiring people around the world with her story of resilience and triumph. Following the death of her husband, she moved to Fultondale, Alabama to be with her daughter. After taking some time to focus on her goals, she decided that she was going to finish college, so she began pursuing a degree in social work.
“When I began this journey it was just because I wanted to go back to school, it was something I wanted to accomplish. So at this moment it’s just overwhelming you know, the attention,” Washington said.
But the attention is well deserved. Washington is living proof that you can accomplish your dreams at any age. The 80-years-young woman graduated magna cum laude from A&M and hopes that her story will continue to inspire others for years to come.
Washington spoke to the press saying, “I want to inspire young people and even adults, to let them know that it’s never too late. Because I’m 80, but I don’t know what 80 really feels like. You have a dream, please finish that dream. You can do it. You just have to believe in yourself.”
Her daughter Kimberly Washington said, “She is such a great example of commitment and strength and perseverance and dedication and compassion and passion, she exhibits all that. I’m just glad that she’s reached her goal and has let me experience this time with her.”
The A&M scholar has no plans of stopping anytime soon. She hopes to use her new degree to volunteer at various places including nursing homes and helping with young people. Washington and her late husband fostered about 30 children over the course of their union and she hopes to continue that work in addition to pursuing graduate degrees.
“Learning is just really fun. I feel like with the help of God who has brought me this far, that I will be able to accomplish and obtain my master’s degree,” Washington said.
Congratulations Mrs. Washington. You inspire us all.